How to Clear a Check Engine Light on a Jeep Cherokee

by Jeffrey Caldwell

Late model vehicles such as the Jeep Cherokee utilize a system known as On Board Diagnostics, or OBD II, to optimize the performance of the vehicle's emissions components. When one of these components fails, it will send a signal to the engine computer, which will trigger the check engine light in the dash. OBD II systems are extremely sensitive and can sometimes trigger without any real fault in the emissions system. If this is the case with your Cherokee, clearing the light is simple using a diagnostic code scanner.

Connect the diagnostic scanner cable to the vehicle's diagnostic port. It will be located below the dash on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Insert the key into the ignition and turn the key to the run position. Do not start the engine.

Wait for the code scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the engine computer, then use the scanner to delete them.

Disconnect the scanner.

Tip

checkMake sure the key is in the run position with the engine off while using the scanner. If the engine is running, the scanner may not be able to read all trouble codes. If you do not own a code scanner and do not want to buy one, many auto parts stores will read and reset engine trouble codes at little or no cost.

Warning

closeReseting the check engine light will not correct the underlying cause of the trouble code if an emissions component is malfunctioning. Ignoring troublecodes can lead to significant vehicle damage.

Items you will need

References

About the Author

Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.